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A University of Melbourne poll released on Monday found 70 per cent of Australians had little or no faith in the institution of federal government.

It also showed 58 per cent of respondents believed the quality of federal political leadership was worse now than in the past.

But Mr Smith says the impression that integrity is lacking among MPs is wrong.

"It is hoped the awards will focus attention on the vital importance of integrity and accountability in public life, encourage public understanding and discussion of government accountability issues, and in this way counter the growing cynicism about our parliamentary democracy," he said.

Public nominations for the awards close on June 6.

The winners of the John Button award for frontbenchers and the Alan Missen award for all other MPs will be announced in the final week of parliament before the national election.

The first awards in 2010 went to Labor Senator John Faulkner and now retired Liberal backbencher Petro Georgiou.